E 

iT3'tP<i 






R\:.\\< ADMIkAI, 



^tnv^ l^nov iS^^AittttVf 



U. S. N. 




zL. 




HENRY KNOX THATCHER, 



REAR ADMIRAL U. S. NAVY. 



GEO. HENRY PREBLE. U.S.N. 






BOSTON : 

PRINTED FOR PUIVATE DISTRI liUTIOX. 

18 8 2. 



^^o^^f7 



75 Copies. 
No....^ 



01 



-I 



W/r/r TiTS COMPLIMENTS OF 




Brookline, Mass. 



Bear Admiral U. S. N. 



Repkinted from the New-England Historical and Genealogical 
•\ ^''RjC'i'l^^^ ^°'''f^1V<'''Xi 1882. 



Press of David CIiipp & Sou. 
Boston. 



REAR ADMIRAL HENRY KNOX THATCHER. 



TTENRY KNOX THATCHER, tlic son of Ebenczer and Lucy 
-*--■- Fluokor (Knox) Tluitclicr, was horn in Thoniaston, Maine, 
at Montpclier, tlie scat of iiis grandfatiier jNIajor General Henry 
Knox, May 26, 180(5.* 

Tlie following description of the Admiral's hirthplacc is derived 
from the pages of a local historian. f 

"In 1793 Knox sent workmen from Boston, under the su|ierintenc]ence 
of Ebenezer Duiiton the architect, who commenced preparing and erecting 
a spacious mansion of tliree hjftj' stories, inchiding the basement of brick, and 
surmounted by u fourtli, central and cupola like, in the roof; together with 
stables, farm house and other out-buildings to match. The work was 
finislied the following year * * # ;„ r^ gtyiy of beauty, symmetry 
and magnificence, seldom excelled, and at that time said to be unecpial- 
led in any part of the commonwealth. The site chosen for this paldcc, as 

• Qcu. Knox died Octolicr2.5, 1806. See memoir of Henry Knox, liv Fmncis S. Drake, 
in tlic KiiiisTKU. Ortiilicr, 1880; nlso "Knox mid liis Home in Tliomaston, Me.," in 
Eaton's Ilistnrv ot" Tlio'na>iton. vol i. pa;;es 'i().i-'22T. 

The minia'.'c of .^dtniial Thateliei's urandfatlier was tlnis annoiineed in tlie Massa- 
ehusflls Gazette, June 20, 1774: "Last TliurMlay was nninied, by the Rev. Dr. C'aner, 
Mr. Henry Knox of tliis town [Boston] to Miss' Lney Fluekcr, seeond daughter of the 
Hon. Thomas Flueker, Esq. Secretary of ilic Province. 

" Blest tho' she is with every human firaee, 

The mien eniiasin^, and liewitehing face, 

Yet still a higher heanty is her cire. 

Virtue, the charm that most adorns the fair; 

This docs new graces to her air inspire. 

Gives to her lips thsir Mooni, her eyes their fire ; 

This o'er her cheek with liri^'hter tincture shows 

The lily's whiteness and the blushinir rose. 

O, may each liliss the lovely pair surround, 

And each winy'd hour with new dcliirhts he crowned. 

Lou;; may they Tho>^e exalted pleasures prove 

That S|irins from worth, from constancy and love." 
t Cyrus Eaton's History of Thomr.sron, &c. 



it might well be called, or chateau, as French travellers* and visitors de- 
lighted to term it, was well selected, nearly on that of the old fortress, with 
a delightful prospect in front extending eight or ten miles down that river, 
finely sheltered by forest on the north-east, and open on the south-west to 
the breezes which on tlie hottest days of summer seldom failed to come 
with the tide to fan and refresh the balconies and corridors, arbors and al- 
coves of this tasteful and noble residence. At the present time [18G5] the 
view from its roof, in which the villages of Thomaston and iSt. George lie like 
a map beneath the eye, is superb ; but the original grandeur and elegance 
of this residence can scarcely be conceived of, from what now [1865] re- 
mains of it. On each hand, a little back from the mansion, a range or wing 
of out-buildings extended east and west from it, inclining backwards from 
the river so as to form, with the mansion in front, a crescent or segment of 
a circle — -nine buildings in each wing, commencing on one side with the cook 
house, and on the other with the mews or stable. These two structures be- 
ing built of brick, are [I860] still remaining in their places. The rest 
have been removed or taken down. * * * 

" Beautifully at the water's edge sat this sumptuous villa as it first caught 
the eye and struck the lofty mind of Mrs. Knox, as she with her husband, 
children and retinue, first passed up between the sombre evergreens and 
dusky forests that shaded either side of the river, to take possession [179.5] 
of her new abode on her ancestral domain. Pleased with so elegant a crea- 
tion, the romance of its iiite, and the contrast it presented to the surround- 
ing landscape, its new mistress, in conformity to the French taste, imbibed 
thi'ough her intimate friend, Mrs. William Bingham of Philadelphia, for 
some time a resident in France, named the mansion Afoiilpelier." 

The General also erected on a sightly spot a large tliree story 
house, intended as a residence for Admiral Thatcher's fatiier ; but 
it v(ras unfinished at Knox's death, and was subsequently sold, taken 
down and removed. A fine avenue was to have been opened through 
the intervening woods to keep the two residences in communication 
and view of each otlier. 

The remains of General Knox were at first deposited in a tomb on 
the grounds of Montpelier, but tliey were in 18(50 removed by Lieut. 
Tiiatcher to the old town cemetery, Tiiomaston, where they now 
repose. Having been urged to again remove them to a more sight- 
ly spot in the same cemetery, where a public monument could be 
erected over them, Lieut. Thatcher, in a letter dated July 19, 18(50, 
says : " My feelings revolt from the idea of again disturbing the 
ashes of my departed kindred, if it can be avoided. I have a sort 
of veneration for the modest old monument whicli my grandmother 

• The Duke ilc \a Roclnfoncault-Liancourt, Louis Pliilijipe, afterwaids king of the 
Frentli, Tallejrand and others, who visited it. 



raised over Iicr liiishand's tomb. Ncvcrtliclcss, I should liif^ldy 
appreeiate any elFurts wliicli tlie citizens of our beloved old town 
niiglit be willing to make to perpetuate the memory of a man who 
gave all tlie eiiergics of his life to the great cause of establishing for 
us this model republic, and his latter days to the interests of the 
town wiiicli he had selected before all others for hia home ; and I 
cannot but feel a glow of pride that he is not yet forgotten by his 
townsmen and their successors." 

Ailmiral 'Ihatclier received his early education in the schools of 
Boston, and July 1, 1822, was admitted as a Cadet at the West 
Point Military Academy. The records of the Academy state that 
he was " absent with leave, sick, from Nov. 23, 1822, to April 3, 
1823," when his resignation is recorded. His predilection being 
for a sea life, he succeeded in exchanging his cadetship for a mid- 
shipman's appointment in the U. S. Navy, bearing date ^larch 4, 
1823, wlien not quite seventeen years old. His first order was to 
the Washington Navy Yard, where he made himself useful in aiding 
to equip the so-called " Musquito fleet " of Commodore David Por- 
ter, designed to operate against the pirates, who at that time, to 
the annoyance of our commerce, infested the West India Islands and 
the Carribean Sea. His next service was, from 1824 to 1827, on 
the Frigate United States, tiie flag-ship of Commodore Isaac Hull, 
in the Pacific Ocean. In 1828 we find him servinrr in the ^Nlediter- 
rancan, on ijoard the Delaware, 74, the flag-ship of Commodore 
\\'illiam M. Crane. He returned in her to the United States to 
1)0 examined for pi-omotion, and INIarch 23, 1829, being then about 
twenty-three years of age, and having been six years in the ser- 
vice, was |)romotcd to the grade of Passed Midshipman* while 
serving on board the Independence 74 at the Boston station. 

In 1830 the Navy Kegistcr records him as on "leave of absence." 
In 1831 we find him Acting Master of the Sloop of AVar Erie, 18, 
Master Commandant Lawrence Rousseau, in the AYest Indies. On 
Capt. Rousseau's detachment in 1832, he obtained a leave of ab- 
sence and returned home. On the 28th of February, 1833, when 
about twenty-seven years of age, he was again promoted, commis- 

• Tins title was abolislicil on tlic rc-organization of tUc navy in 1862, and that of Ensign 
substituted for it. 



sioned a Lieutenant, and ordered to the Navy Yai'd at Boston. In 
1834 lie was ordered to the Sloop of War Falmouth, under his old 
Captain Kousseau, attached to the West India Squadron, and re- 
mained in her until she was paid off in 183G. In 1837, '38 and 
'39 he is registered as " waiting orders." In 1840, '41, as attached 
to the Frigate Brandy wine. Captain William Compton Bolton, in 
the Mediterranean. In 1842, as attached to the Naval Rendezvous at 
Portland, Maine, under the command of Commander John Stone 
Paine. In 1843, Executive Officer of the Receiving Ship Ohio, 74, 
Capt. Joseph Smith, at Boston. In 1844, on "leave of absence." 
In 1845, "waiting ordei-s." In 1846, again attached to the Receiv- 
ing Ship Ohio at Boston. In 1847, "waiting orders." In 1848, 
on board the Sloop of War Jamestown, 20, flag-ship of Commo- 
dore William C. Bolton, another of his old commanders, on the coast 
of Africa. In 184'J Commodore Bolton was transferred to the Me- 
diterranean squadron, and hoisted his broad pennant on the Frigate 
Constitution, 44. Tlie Jamestown conveyed him to his new 
command, and Lieut. Thatcher remained in her as her executive 
officer until she was put out of commission in 1850, when he was 
ordered to the Boston Navy Yard as an Inspector, where he re- 
mained until ordered to command the storeshij) Relief in 1852. The 
Relief was attached to our squadron on the coast of Brazil, and this 
was his last sea-service as a Lieutenant. 

In 1853 we find him well up on the list of Lieutenants (No. 25), 
and " waiting orders." In 1854-5 he was the executive officer of 
the Naval Asylum at Philadelphia; and September 14, 1855, at 
the age of 49, through the action of the naval retiring board, known 
as " the board of fifteen " — whicii put aside and dismissed many 
officers from the service — he was promoted and commissioned a 
Commander, jumping from No. 15 on the Lieutenants' list to 
No. 25 on the list of ninety-seven Commanders — an advance of 
eic/htij-seven numbers. Notwithstanding his promotion he remained 
on duty at the Naval Asylum until ordered, in 1857, to succeed 
Commander Gansevoort in the command of the Sloop of War De- 
catur, 16.* The Decatur was attached to our squadron in the Paci- 

• An interesting account of tlie service of tlie T>ccattir in Puset Sound, written by Com- 
modore T. S. riielps, U.S.N., cnn l)e found in " The United Service," for Dcceralier, 1881. 
It is entitled lleminisceuces of Seattle, Washington Territory, during the Indian war, 
18J5-55. 



fie, ami he remained in command of iicr nntil slic was put out of 
commission at San Francisco, Cal. On liis return from tiiis cruise, 
August, 1851), lie was again ordered to the Boston Navy Yard as 
its executive officer, and remained on that duty earnestly engaged 
in fitting out the vessels equipped from tiiat station in the eai'ly days 
of the rebellion, until, in the first months of 1862, he was order- 
ed to the command of the Constellation, 24, a decked corvette at 
Portsmoutli, N. H., fitting for special service in the Mediterranean, 
where the Secretary of the Navy in his annual report says : " Her 
presence and visits to tlie commercial ports of tlie Levant was con- 
ducive of good results." 

July 16, 1862, through the numerous resignations and dismissals 
of that exciting time, f and the re-oi-ganization of the navy by the 
establishing of a permanent retired list and the introduction of new 
grades into tlie service, he was promoted from No. 9 on the list of 
commanders to a commodore (No. 16) on the active list, passing the 
intermediate grade of captain, a clearjadvancement of fifty-one 
numbers. Desiring active service nearer the seat of war, and a 
command more in accordance with his new rank than the sailing 
corvette Constellation, he was I'elieved by Captain Stellwagen in 
Julv, 1863, and liastcninfj home was^ ordered at once to the screw 
steam Frigate Colorado, 52, a first rate, preparing for sea at the 
Navy Yard, Portsmouth, N. H. 

The Colorado was soon after ordered to the North Atlantic Squad- 
ron, commanded by Rear Admiral David D. Porter, and in her 
Commodore Thatcher commanded the first division of Poi'ter's fleet 
in December, 1864, and January, 1865, during the attacks upon and 
final capture of Fort Fisher and its dependencies. Concerning the last 
attack Commodore Tliatcher wrote : " I commanded the first divi- 
sion of the attacking fleet, and the attack terminated in the fall of 
that fortress (Fort Fisher) and all the surrounding works. Here, in 
January, 1865, the gallant 'Terry' and his command won im- 
mortal honor in his splendid and successful assault on those works 
after the bombardment by the navy had disabled or dismantled nearly 

+ The Secretary of tlie Navy in'his Annual Report says that 259 officers had resigned their 
commissions or were dismissed the service. '1 he late liear Admiral Cli:irlcs Henry Davis 

f)rcsente<i to Harvard College Library a carefully marked copy of the Navy Register, show- 
ng all these resignations and dismissals. 



8 

every large gun on tlie forts. The rebels fouglit gallantly with their 
small arms, but the bravery of the troops under ' Terry ' was too 
much for them. Col. Lamb, tlie rebel commander, evinced a hero- 
ism worthy of a better cause." 

This was a generous appreciation of the military commanders, 
union and rebel, but not a word was said about himself. Eear Admiral 
Porter, however, in his official report to the Secretary of the Navy, 
dated January 28, 1865, fortunately supplies his deficiency. He 
Bays : 

" After siicli an engagement and success as this fleet has met with, I think 
it due to the officers engaged to mention tliose particularly who iu my 
opinion deserve the commendation of the Department or merit promotion. 
* * * I trust that some promotions will grow out of this, if only to show 
the officers there is reward in store for those who do the fighting. 

" First and foremost in the list of commodores is Commodore H. K. 
Thatcher. Full of honest zeal and patriotism, his vessel was always ready 
for action, and when he did go into it, his ship was handled with admirable 
skill ; no vessel iu the squadron was so much cut up as the Colorado ; for 
some reason the rebels selected her as a target. I helieve Commodore 
Thatcher would have fouglit his ship until she went to the bottom, and 
went into the fight with the full determination to conquer or die. There is 
no reward too great for this gallant officer ; he has shown the kind of abili- 
ty naval leaders should possess, a love of fighting and an invincible 
courage."* 

After this victory, there being no fiu'ther occasion for the large 
vessels to remain off AVilmington, they were sent north, and as a 
result of the recommendation and commendation of Rear Admi- 
ral Porter, Commodore Thatcher was appointed almost immedi- 
ately an Acting Rear Admiral in advance of his regular promotion 
to that grade, and ordered to take command of the West Gulf 
Squadron, as the successor of Vice-Admiral Farragut, who, after 
the surrender of the forts at the entrance of Mobile Bay, had return- 
ed north in ill health. 

On reaching the Gulf, in consultation with Major Gen. Canby, 
U.S. Army, Admiral Thatcher says : "It was determined to make a 
combined movement against the city of Mobile and its defences, 
which were of immense strength and extent, coverino; a distance from 



* Commoilorc Thatcher's officini report of the part taken by the " Colorado," and of her 
officers antl men on .'•liore in the lirst and second attaclvs upon J'ort Fisher, can be found in 
full in tlic appendix to tlie becretary of the Navy's Annual Report, Dec. 4, 1863. 



c:ist to west of cig'lit miles, and mountincr not less than 400 guns of 
the ncvvct-t ji;ittorn and lieaviest c;\lil)rc." "After nineteen davs 
work we siieeeeded in capturing tlie works, wlien tlic troops under 
Gen. Maury tied to tlio iiitorior, leaving the city an easy prey. Be- 
inii' summoned to surrender April 15, 18t).5, its mayor at once com- 
plied with tiie conunantl, hut the luival forces under Farrand (rebel), 
formerly a conunander in the U. S. Navy,* fle<l uj) tiic Tombigbee 
\\ itii his fleet, sinking two largo iron-clad rams in his flight. Being 
closely pursued l)y us he concluded to surrender his entire command 
yet afloat, consisting of the 'Nashville, 'Morgan,' ' Bidtic,' and 
' Black Diamond," tiuee of wiiicli were powerful and su[)erior iron- 
clads, well armed ; one hundred and twelve officers of these rebel 
vessels were also sun-endered as well as their crews. 

"jMobilc iiaving been secured and recovered to the United States, 
jireparations were immediately made for attacking Galveston. 
^\ hilst these were going on, rebel commissioners were sent to sur- 
render the state of Texas without further contest. The authorities 
of that state knew the fate of Alabama, and tiiat our land and na- 
val force on the Gulf was at liberty to advance on them, and 
deemed prudence the better part of valor." 

Admiral Thatcher went immediately to Galveston in his fl.ag-ship 
!ind took possession of the forts, manning them, without oi)position 
from the enemy, with his blue jackets, and hokling them until troops 
were sent from New Orleans by Miijor General Philip H. Sheridan, 
who had relieved Mnjor (Jeneral Canby. 

About this time rumors, which were soon after confirmed, reached 
the (iulf that (Jenerals Johnson and Lee had surrendered, and the 
war was virtually ended. | 

The Secretary of the Xavy, after the surrender of ^lohile, addressed 
to the Admiral a complimentary letter, dated April 2d, 1865, 
which he closes by saying: "I am happy in extending to you and 
those under your command, the congratulations of the Navy Depart- 
ment for this victory, which places in our possession, with but one 

• F.licnczer Fiirr.iml, Ijorn in New York, cnicrcd the U. S. Nnvv from New Jersey March 
4, 1823, tlie very day that ailiniral Thati her tliil. When lie lel'i the service to join the eoii- 
foileriicy he stood six niiinijcrs above Tlmtclicr on the list of commanders, lie was 
then a resident of Florida. 

t For Acting Hear .\dniiral Tliat"her's detailed reports of his command of (he West 
Giilf Blockading' Squadron, ami of these transactions, see Secretary of the Navy's Annual 
Kcport, Dec. 13)5, pages 3Jb-3'J2. 

2 



10 

exception, all the chief points of our soiithein coast, and bids fair 
to be the closing naval contest of the rebellion."' 

On the second of June that one exception referred to, Galveston, 
Avas surrendered, and the supremacy of the government was once 
more established on the entire coast, from Maine to and including 
Texas. 

After these transactions our naval forces in the waters of the Gulf 
were reduced, and the consolidation of the East Gulf Squrdron, 
commanded by Acting Rear Admiral C. K. Stribling, and the West 
Gulf Squadron under Thatcher, was consummated, and thereafter 
the united force was known as the " Gulf Squadron," Acting Rear 
Admiral Thatcher remaining in command until iNIay, 1S66, when he 
was relieved. On the 22d of June, immediately on his arrival north, 
he was ordered to the command of the North Pacific Squadron, in 
which situation he remained until relieved in August, 18G8, hoist- 
ing his flag on the U. S. Steam Ship Pensacola. 

Soon after his orders to the Pacific Station, on the 25th of July, 
1866, he was regularly promoted by seniority, and commissioned a 
Rear Admiral in the U. S. Navy, on the Active list, being then 
sixty years of age. On the 26th of May, 18G8, having been above 
forty-five years in the service, and being then sixty-two years 
of age, in compliance with the existing law, he was placed upon 
the retired list, but retained his command afloat for the full term of 
two years, or until the following August.* 

After his return east in 1869, he was ordered to assume the du- 
ties of Port Admiral at Portsmouth, N. H., which office he held 
until, from motives of economy, it was abolislied in 1871. This 
was his last active service ; during the remainder of his retirement 
he lived at his residences in Winchester and Nahant, except a few 
months in the early spring in Boston — vigorous in mind and body 
as he ever was to within a few months of his decease. 

At the date of his death, April 5, 1880, he was 73 years, 10 
months, 10 days old, and had been attached to the navy fifty-seven 

* The law of retirement at that time reail, " shall be retired when 62 years of age or 
forty-five years in the service. " from sea ^ervice. The law lias since been altered to read, 
" when sixty-two years old " — the Admiral and Vice-Admiral being excepted from its 
provisions, and the retirement is from all f-ervice atloat or on shore, except in case of war, 
when retk'ed officers' services may be made available. 



11 

years. Twcntv-onc ycara eiijlit niontlis of this time were spent at pea, 
ten years and cii;lit iiiontlis on siiore duty, anil twenty-four years and 
pix niontlis iinoniployeil ; but nearly twelve years of the " unem- 
pliiyoil" time he was on the retired list. 

The followinj^ " General Order " was issued by the Secretary of 
tlie Navy on the day following his death. 

Navy Depaktjient, 

Washington, April G, 1880. 

Tlio Secretary of the Navy announces with regret to tlie Navy and tlio 
IMiirine Corps the doatli, at Boston, on the Titli instant, of Hear Ailmiial 
Hkkijy Knox Tiiatoiieu, after an honorable and meritorious service of 
fifty-seven years in tlie Navy. 

Rear .Vduiiral Tmatoueu was born in Maine, IMay 2G, 180G, entered 
the Navy as Midsliipraan March 4, 1823, reached the grade of Commodore 
July 10, 1862, and was made Rear Admiral under the act of July 2o, 18GG, 
which authorized the selections for that grade of ollicers who had rendered 
the most ellicient and faithful service during the recent war, and who pos- 
sessed the highest professional <iualifications and attainments. 

His most prominent service was in the North Atlantic and West Gulf 
Blockading Siinadi-oas. As commander of the 2d division of the former, 
and of the Coloi-ado. he participiited in th(i first attack on Fort Fisher, 
December 24 and 2'), 18i">l, and in the second attack, which resulted in its 
capture, Jaiuiary 13, 18G.5. 

As comraundiug ollicer of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under an 
appointment as .Vcling Rear Admiral, he successfully cooperateil with Ma- 
jor (tiMienil Canhv in the capture of Mobile. April 8, 18G.), Fort Alexis 
and Spunish Fort were captured, and on the 10th Forts linger and Tracy, 
which opened the way to the subsequent capture of Mobile, April 14, 18G5. 

The Secretarj' of the Navv, in acknowledging the reports of these ope- 
rations, extended to Acting Rear Ailrairal Tiiatcheii, and those under liis 
commind, and to Jlajor General Canbv, the congratulations of the Navy 
Department for this victory, which placed in our possession, with but one 
exception, "all the chief points on the southern coast, and bid fair to be 
the closing naval contest of the rebellion." 

On the 4th of .Inly, 18G5, a surrender was made to Acting Rear Admi- 
ral Thatcher of the confederate naval forces serving in the waters of the 
State of Alabama. Soon after this the remaining points on the coast of 
Texas were surrendered, which put an end to naval oonfiict in that quarter. 

Rear Admiral Tiiatcueii was appointed to command the North Pacific 
Squadron. .lune 22, 18i;G, and while so serving reached the age of G2 years, 
IMay 2G, 18G8, and in accordance with law was placed on the Retired List. 

In respect to his metnory it is herei)y ordered that, on the day after the 
receipt hereof, the flags of the Navy Yards and Stations, and vessels in 
commission, be displayed at half-mast, from sunrise to sunset, and thirteen 
minute guns he fired at noon from the Navy Yards and Stations, flag-ships 
and vessels acting singly. li. W. TiiosirsON, 

Secretary of lite Nary. 



12 

The funeral of Admiral Thatclicr took place at St. Paul's Church, 
Boston, on Thursday, April 9th (the day appointed by the Governor 
as the annual Fast Day), at 11 o'clock, a.m., by request, without mili- 
tary pai-ade, but was voluntarily attended by a large number of citizens 
and representatives of the various bodies of which the deceased was a 
member. Prayers were said at the Evans House by the Rev. Dr. Isaac 
P. Langwortliy. Tiie services at the church were conducted by his 
old friend the Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Lambert, of St. John's Church, 
Charlestown. By a special order of the Commandant, all the offi- 
cers attached to the Boston Navy Yard and Station who could be 
spared from duty, as well as many naval friends resident in the city 
and suburban towns, were present at tlie cluu-ch ; as were also the 
Rev. Dr. Samuel K. Lothrop, Dr. Charles D. Homans, Alexander 
Willirans and otiiers of tlie Society of the Cincinnati ; the Rev. Ed- 
mund F. Slaf ter, John Ward Dean and otiicrs representing the New 
England Historic, Genealogical Society ; Col. Francis J. Parker, 
representing the Loyal Legion; tlie Hon. John B. D. Cogswell, 
ex-President of the Mass. Senate; Abbott Lawrence and many otliors 
in military, naval and civic positions. The floral offerings were 
of rare beauty, an anchor of lilies and clioice flowers from the 
Cincinnati being tlie most noticeable and appropriate. The choral 
service was rendered by tiie choir of St. Paul's. The pall-bearers 
were Rear Admirals Green and Preble, Commodores Ellison and 
Ransom, and Col. Jones of tlie Marine Corps, representing the Navy ; 
ex-Mayor Frederic W. Lincoln, representing tiie Bunker Hill Monu- 
ment Association ; ex-Mayor Samuel C. Cobb, Vice-President of the 
Society of the Cincinnati ; the lion. Marshall P. Wilder, President 
of the New England Historic, Genealogical Society, and S. C. 
Small, Commander of Post 148, G. A. R., of Wincliester, 
and of tlie Alaine Veteran Association, of vviiicli tlie late Admiral 
was a member. Tiie remains were temporarily deposited in the 
receiving tomb at Forest Hills. 

Col. J. Hemphill Jones, one of the pall-bearers, died of 
pneumonia in a week's time, the result of a severe cold caught or 
aggravated by his attendance at the Admiral's funeral [see Reg- 
ister, XXXV. 197] ; and by a singular fatality, the Colonel's bro- 
ther, coming from Washington to attenil his brotiier's funeral, 



13 

(lit'd in less tlian a week after his return to Wasliington, from a 
similar cause. 

Iinmciliatcly tliat tlie deafli ol' Adiniral Tli-itrhcr was ' known, a 
special meeting of tlie Massaeluisetts Society of the Cincinnati waa 
calieil by the Hon. Saniucl C. Col)b, Vice-President, to take action 
upon the sad event to the society of which lie was tiie honored pre- 
sident. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Clobl), who made 
the following address : 

Brethren of (he Clncinnali : ^Ve meet at this time to take note of a sol- 
emn and mournful event Henry Knox Tliatclior, a vahied member of 
tills Society for iioaily tliirty-sevcn years, died on llic iJtii inst. This 
is not the time or (ilace to pronounce any eulogy on the life and charactiT 
of the deceased. AVe who enjoyed the privilege of a personal association 
widi iiiin. and who are familiar with the (listinguislied recoi'd he lias uiaile, 
know full well how valuable was his life in all that constitutes a brave 
ollicer ami a high-minded citizen. His name was borne upon the lolls of 
the navy as an active otlicer for more than forty years, and those who shall 
read the stoiy of his eventful career will learn how rich was our brother 
in the virtues which predominate in the man who is ever faithful, diligent 
and fearless in the discharge of duty. The eldest grandson of one of the 
foun<lers of our Society, Admiral Thatcher appears to have iiilierited many 
of the lea<rnig traits which distinguished his illustrious ancestor. His loy- 
alty was of that grand and heroie type whieli makes it sweet to die in de- 
fence of one's country. His patriotism was of that resolute and uncom- 
))romising. character whieli shames the arts of the politician. The purposes 
for which tins institution was founiled has had no nobler representative. 
lloiiored by Ins coiintrv. respected and obeyed by his brother olHct-rs, beloved 
by his associates in public; and private life, he has had all that the great 
poet says should accompany old age. We shall miss from our (councils his 
l>r:ictieal wisdom and his earnest devotion to the interests of the Society, 
and it will be long before the recollection of his dignilied presence and his 
genial manners will be forgotten. * * « 

At the conclusion of ilr. Cobb's remarks, the following resolu- 
tions, prepared by the Rev. S. K. Lothrop, D.D., were adopted by 
a rising vote : 

" It having pleased Almighty God to take out of this life our esteemed 
associate and honored President, Henry Knox Thatcher, Rear Admiral in 
llie United States Navy, we the members of the Society of the Cincinnati 
here assembled, desire to express our sense of his worth, and our own loss, 
in the following resolutions : 

liesoh-eil, — That while we how in devout submission to the will of the Hea- 
venly Father who is too wise to err and too good to do wrong, wo deeply 
lament the death of one whom we have long known and lionoied, who for 



14 

many years has presided over our Society with dignity and urbanity, and 
both ;is an officer and a member was ever zealous to promote its best inter- 
ests, to extend its usefulness, and to carry out the patriotic and benevolent 
pui-poses of its founders. 

Ri'solred, — That we recognize with pride and satisfoetion that our de- 
ceased friend, associate and president uot onlj' bore with honor while living 
and left untarnished at his death, the name of his grandfather of revolu- 
tionary iame and memory, — Henry Knox, — but by his ovTn gallant deeds 
and brave and manly bearing iu the service of his country, added new lus- 
tre and fresh Lturels to that name with which hereafter in this Society his 
own will ever be associated with reverence and honor. 

Resolved, — That in his long career in the Navy of the United States, an 
accomplished seaman, a gallant officer, a wise and considerate commander, 
a loyal, brave, patriotic man, of calm, fearless courage, ready in the face of 
danger and of death to do his duty at all times and at all hazards, Rear 
Admiral Thatcher has rendered services to his country at home anil abroad, 
in peace and iu war, that entitle him to be held iu grateful honor and 
remembrance. 

Resolved, — That in the private life and character of our departed friend 
we recall with pleasure his many amiable qualities, the frankness and sim- 
plicity of his manners, the kindness of his disposition, the quickness of his 
sympathy with whatever was good, noble and worthy, all that large, warm- 
hearted benevolence and honesty, and that earnest, steadfast christian faith, 
wdiich made it a pleasure and a satisfaction to be associated with him, and 
will cause his memory to be long cherished among us. 

Resolved, — That a copy of these resolutions be sent by tlie secretary to 
the family of our late President, and entered upon the records of this 
meeting." 

In seconding the resolutions, Mr. Winslow Warren briefly eulo- 
gized the character of Admiral Thatcher, Mr. Alexander Williams 
followed with appropriate remarks, and a committee was appointed 
to attend the funeral. 

At the quarterly meeting of the New England Historic, Genea- 
logical Society, April 7, a committee was appointed, of which Rear 
Admiral William Rogers Taylor, U.S.N. , was chairman, to prepare 
resolutions in memory of Admiral Thatcher, and at the monthly 
meeting. May 5th, 1S80, Captain William A. Parker, U.S.N. , 
in behalf of the committee, reported the following resolutions, pre- 
pared by the Rev. Thomas R. Lambert, D.D., for many years a 
cha[ilain in the navy, and a lifetime friend of the deceased. 

Whereas. — In the allwise ordering of Divine Providence, our honored 
associate, the lato Rear Admiral Henry Knox Thatcher, of the United 
States Nav}', has l)een taken from among us, and his place on earth shall 
know him no more; therefore 



15 

Resdlrcd. — Tli;it (Iio Now Knjihind Historic rioiio:ili)iric;il .Society put on 
record ;i loriii:il ;iiiil :it llie saiiU! tiliu' iie;irtlell exiire.-sioii ot' our iill'eetioii- 
:ite esteem tor one who re|iresenle(l in our midst ii mime so revei'ed in tiie 
|>iist, and also in his own person and < liaiaeter gave it a new claim upon 
the reverent remembrance of those who are to come after us. 

Resohu'd, — That as the name of Ilenrj' Knox has come down to us among 
lliose of the nolilest of our revolutioiiarv heroes and patriots, so that of liis 
graiKlson, lleniy Knox Thateher, will live among those in |ieaee as a high- 
toned, loval and virtuous citizen — in war as a hohl seaman, a brave and 
gallant ollieer and a tearless defender ot his country's flag — honored in the 
service to wdiose highest rank he had so worthily risen. 

Resolved. — That, as his fellow members, we personally have sustained an 
irreparable loss in tiie death of one who, by the extremely valuable gift of 
the Knox Manuscripts, has rendered himself one of the greatest benefac- 
tors of this society ; one whose frank and kindly nature, large-hearted and 
generous impulses, and whose manly goodness, have won fur him the most 
genuine atfeetion and the deepest regret. 

Resolved, — That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the family 
of our late associate, and be entered on the records of the society. 

Captain I'arker in reporting tiic resolutions allu(le(l fccliiigiy to tlie 
deatli of one of tlie committee appointed to draft tiiem — Col. Jones, 
of the U. S. Marine Corps, who was also one of tiic pall-hcarcrs at 
the Admiral's funeral. 

Iveniarks on the character of Admiral Tliatclier were also made 
hy President Marsiiall P. Wilder, Mr. Frederic Kidder, and ,hulge 
(i. ^Vashington AVarrcn, and t'le resolutions were adopted by a 
standing vote. 

At the annual meeting of the I>unker Ilill Monument Associa- 
tion following tiie Admiral's decease, June 17, 1880, Abbott Law- 
rence, ICsq., offered the following remarks and resolutions : 

Mr. /'resident: You have already fitly and eloquently alluded to those of 
our numbers who have passed away smce we last met, and whom we miss 
here tonlay. Among them no one was hehl in higlier respect and regard than 
our lamented tVienil atid associate the late A(bniral Thatcher. Born of 
heroic ancestry at Thomaston, Jlaine, on the 20tii of May, 180G, he early 
showed a love for the sea, and at the age of 17 entered the navy as a mid- 
shipmau. The well earned rank which is now so widely associated with 
liis name, was conferred upon him in 18GG. lie was a brave and 
elficient ollict-r. highly respected wdierever he held command. With him 
patriotism was an instinct rather than a duty, and in this spirit he was a 
tearless anil uncompromising uiuonist during the rebellion. He rendered 
important service in the battle of ^Mobile Hay. at the storming of Fort Fisher, 
and in the surrender of Galveston. He was a man of strong couvictioiis, 



IG 

steadfast purposes, incorrnptihle integritj', unshaken loyalty. At our meet- 
ing a year ago I happened to sit next the gallant old sailor, bronzed and 
worn with service to his connti-y all the world over, and I shall never for- 
get the marked interest lie took in our proceedings. I rejoice, sir, that my 
own recollection of him will be indelibly coiniected with this anniversary. 
Let us pay his memoiy the tribute of honor and praise which it so justly 
deserves. 

At the close of jNIr. Lawrence's remarks the following resolutions 
were unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, — That in the death of Henry Kno-x Tliatcher, Rear Admiral 
in the United States Navy, this Association has lost one of its most hon- 
ored members, and our country an able and gallant otficer whose patriotism 
and devoted service in his profession, and whose loyal and noble character 
gave him a distinguished place on the roll of our naval commanders, added 
new lustre to the revolutionary name he bore, and ensured him our grate- 
ful and lasting remembrance. 

liesolreil, — That the secretary bo instructed to transmit a copy of these 
resolutions to the family of Admiral Thatcher.* 

These resolutions so summarize the character of Admiral Tliatch- 
er, that taken in connection with wliat lias been shown of it in this 
memoir, tliere is nothing left to add, unless to say he was God's 
noblest work, an honest man, a firm friend, an agreeable messmate, 
a sound disciplinarian, yet kind commander, a christian gentleman, 
an uncompromising unionist, a competent and braye officer. Ilia 
cliief cliaractcristic was prompt and unliesitating obedience to the 
orders of his superior officers, let the consequences be what they 
may.f 

IMy actpialntance with Admiral Thatcher commenced in 1842-43, 
when he was the executive officer of the U. S. S. Ohio in Boston 
liarbor, and I a passed midshipman on board. I soon learned to 
make allowance for his eccentricities and to admire liim for iiis ster- 
ling integrity. We were drawn to each otlier from being natives of 
the same state. I never was associated witli him again on duty, 
but frequently met him in the vicissitudes of naval service, and 
we remained good friends to the close of his life. I am glad to be 
able to pay this tribute to his memory. 

* Proceedings of tlie Bunker Hill Moninnent Association, June 1", ISSO. 

t Tile story tol<l of him in tlic notii'e of Iiis deiilli in tlie Boston Evening Transcript, April 
.5, ISSO, aliont loipedoes and Faira;;ut at Moliile, is not true, as lie was not in tliat fii,'lit. 
Tlie writer eonfouiided liini witli Hoar Admiral James Alden, also a native of Maine, 
whose bravery was undisputed. 



17 

Ailmiial (tlicn Lieutenant) Tlisitchcr was olectcd, in 1813, a 
member of tiie Massacluisetts Society of the Cincinnati, as tiic 
successor of liis grandfatlicr [Major General Henry Knox, one 
of tiie originators ami tlunulers of the Society, its first Secre- 
tary-general and tiic first Vice-President of tlie Massachusetts 
Society. 

In 1870 he was elected Vice-lVcsident of the ilassaeliusctts 
Society, in place of Winslow Warren deceased, and, in 1871, on 
tiie dcatli of James "Warren Sever, President, which office lie con- 
tinued to liold until his dcatii in 1880. 

\\'iule in command of tiie Xortii I'acific Squadron he received a 
medal from tlie King of the Hawaiian Islands for services rendered, 
and was created a Kniglit of tlie order of Kamahameha I., honors 
lie was allowed to accept by a joint rcsohition of tiie Congress of tlie 
United States, approved January 11, 1868. 

April 1, 1868, Admiral Thatcher was elected a Companion of the 
^Military Order of the Loyal I^egion of the United States (M.O.L.L. 
U.S.), tlirougli the Pennsylvania Comniandery, and remained in it 
until his death. 

In 1872 he was elected an associate member of the Bunker Hill 
^lonument Association. 

He was admitted Sept. 1, 1871, a resident member of the 
New England Historic, Genealogical Society, and ever after, until 
sickness prevented, attended its meetings and took a lively in- 
terest in its objects, becoming himself a life member, and proposing 
tiie names of his friends for membership. In 1873 he showed his con- 
tinued interest in the .'society by jiresenting to it the manuscripts 
of Major General Knox, which in accordance with the condi- 
tions of his gift arc now handsomely and strongly bound in fifty- 
five massive folio volumes and indexed.* The number of letters 
and documents in the collection is eleven tliousand four hundred 
and sixty-four, in which are included sixty-six letters and docu- 
ments, either written or signed by Washington. 

He also presented to the Society a large original drawing of West 
Point, made by ^lajor L'Enfant for General Knox, which has 



• Seethe Rev. Mr. Sl.nfler's Report on "The Knox Manuscripts," published in the So- 
ciety's Proceedings, Jan. 5, 1831, and also in pamphlet form. 



18 

been framed, and occupies a prominent position in the directors' 
room of the Society.* 

Admiral Thatclier, in a memorandum to tlie New England His- 
toric, Genealogical Society on being elected a member, says : 

"I trace my ancestors back to 1634. They originated in Essex and 
Sussex, ill England, on the paternal (Tiiatcher) side, and the fomily arms 
are — viz. Field Gules, indicative of valor, charged with a cross moline, 
argent. A cross charged with a red crescent, imi)lying that our ancestor 
had achieved victory over the Turks. The cross is silver (argent), em- 
blem of purity. The upper part of the shield is or (gold), the most valua- 
ble of metals, and enhancing its honorable import. It is cliarged with 
three birds volant, indicative of speed or energy. Tlie birds are azure 
(truth). From the heraldic records it appears that in 1G34: an Heraldic 
visitation was made to revise tlie arms of fiimilies and confer honors, by 
which the Tiiatcher crest was discarded, that branch being extinct, and the 
grasshoppers representing the rural seat of the family, replaced by Birds, 
and the bloody crescent made a part of the cross. "f 

The Hon. Ebenezer Thatclier, the Admiral's fatlicr, was born in 
Cambridge, Mass., Oct. 9, 1778, and graduated at Harvard Col- 
lege in 1798. He studied law and commenced its practice in 
Boston in 1801 ; but soon removed to Newcastle, jNIc., and subse- 
quently to Thomaston. He was appointed in 1812 a justice of the 
Circuit Court of Common Pleas, and held the office till Maine became 
a state. At one time he held the commission of brigadier general. 
He resided afterwards in Warren, Mercer and Bingham, Me., where 
he died June 9, 1841, .aged 63. if About 1803 he married Lucy 
Flucker, daughter of Gen. Knox. He was a son of Col. Samuel 
Thatcher, who was distinguished in the Concord and Lexington 
fights, April 19, 1775, as a captain in Col. Gardner's regiment, 
and M'as so wounded as to be crippled for life. Col. Samuel* 
Thatcher was a great-grandson of Dea. Samuel' Thatcher, an early 

* This draw-ing has been engraved on steel, .ind the cngravhig ilUistrates a History of 
West Point. 

t In the Genealogical and Biographical SliCtches of the descendants of Thomas and 
Anthony Thatcher, from their settlement in New England, June 4, 163o, published in Vine- 
land, N. J., in 1872, liy a descendant, there is an engraving of the Tliaeher arms — " Gules 
a cross moline argent. On a chief of or, three gras^hoppers proper. Crest, a grasshop- 
per proper." The antlior says the original spelling of the name was Thacher, and that 
Thatcher is a modern innovation. 

Sarage in his Genealogical Dictionary says, per contra, " The Watertown descendants 
all retain the old spellint/ of the name Thatcher, as if deriving it from tlieir early occupation 
of a thatcher, which seems probable." 

t A memoir of the Hon. Ebenezer Thatcher will be found in Willis's History of the Law, 
the Courts and the Lawyers of Maine, pp. 396-9. 



19 

settlor ill AVatcitown, adiiiittcil tVcrman of Massachusetts !May 18, 
1()42, tliri)iii;ii Saimiel'' ami Ebeiiczer.' 

Tlie old family residence of tiie Tliatcliers was on land now in- 
cluded in that beautiful retreat for tlic dead, Blount Auliurn.* It 
Avould iiavc hcen a[)[)ni[)riate to iiave placed the AdmiraFs remains 
at rest near the site of tiie old homestCiid, hut he himself expressed 
no wisli on the suliject. Tliev have found an equally bcautifid 
resting place on Lantaua A\rnue in I'^iii'st Hills Cemetery, where 
a handsome and appropriate monument has been erected over them 
by loving hands. 

Lucy Flucker Knox, the mother of Admiral Thatcher, and eldest 
daughter of Major General Knox, who was the friend of Washing- 
ton and his Secretary of War, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., in 
1780. She was a <rranddauL::hter of Thomas Flucker, the last Ensc- 
lish secretary of the Massachusetts Bay Province, who, loyal to the 
crown, left for England on the evacuation of Boston. She died 
Oct. 12, 1851, aged 77. Ebenezer and Lucy Flucker (Knox) 
Thatcher had eight children, viz. : 

1. Julia K., b. 1805 ; m. Rev. Oren Sikcs ; removed to Bedford, Mass. She 

and her husband are both dead. Their second and oldest surviving son, 
llcniy Knox Sikes, of Peoria, 111., is the oldest living male descendant 
of Gen. Knox, and is in the line of succession to the membership in the 
IMassuciiusetts Society of the Cincinnati vacated by the death of Ad- 
miral Thatcher. 

2. Ileniv Knox (the Admiral), b. May 2G, 180G ; bapt. April 11, 1809. 

3. Cliarles, b. Feb. 1809; d. Oct. 8, 1810. 

4. Lucy Ann, bapt. Aug. 3, 1810; she married Nyrum Leeson, and re- 

moved to ^lichigan, where she died. 

5. Mary Henrietta, b. 1811 ; m. Rev. George C. Hyde. She died at Tho- 

maston Aug. 30, 1853, leaving two daughters, Henrietta C. and Mary 
P. Hyde. 

6. Caroline F., m. Benjamin Smith. 

7. James .Swan. bai)t. Aug. 9, 1815; admitted to the bar, 1840; entered 

U. S. >i'., and as purser perisheil in the Grampus, ^larch, 1843. 

8. Harriet Elizabeth, m. George B. Page, of Belgrade, Oct. 28, 1841, and 

died Feb. 18, 1847. 

• The pedigree nntl gcneilogy of .\iliiiiral Tli.itclier'.'! ancestors can lie found in PMigc's 
History of Ciiniliriilge, Mass., eilition of IS,"?, |ia:,'es 609-70. He says ilie Tliatchcr lionie- 
stcail. wliicli was occupied by Deacon Samuel Tliatclicr, the earliest Aniorican ancestor of 
the .\dniiral, was near the easterly corner of Mount .\ulnn"n Street anti Coolidjre .\vcniie, 
wliieh until 17H was included in Watertown. Tlic Admiral's grandfather Samuel inherit- 
ed iliis honiestea<l, which was sold by Ids heirs to Governor Gerry in 1793. Durinc the 
latter part of his life he resided on the westerly corner of Mount Auliurn and Brighton Sireeis. 

Katou's Historv of Thomaston, vol. ii. pp. 424-5, ed. 186-5, has also n genealogy of the 
Tlmteher family. 



20 

Admiral Tluitclicr was the last grandson, and his sister, INIrs. Caro- 
line F. Smith, of Vineland, N. J., is now tiie only living grandcliild, 
of Gen. Knox; but a numbei" of his descendants in later genera- 
tions are living. In 1843 the Admiral's brother, James S. Thatch- 
er, sailed from Norfolk in the U. S. Schooner Grampus, of which 
vessel he was Purser. She was last heard of on the 14th of 
March, when off Charleston, S. C, and is supposed to have been 
lost in some of the severe gales which occurred about that time. 

Dec. 26, 1831, Admiral, then Passed Midshipman, Thatcher 
was married, by the Rev. Josiah Peet, of Norridgewock, Me., to 
Miss Susan C. Croswell, a daughter of Andrew Cros well, M.D., of 
Plymouth, Mass., a graduate of Harvard in the class of 1798, of 
which Admiral Tliatcher's father was also a graduate. The mar- 
riage was a happy one, and Mrs. Thatclier with an adopted daugh- 
ter, Miss Susan Emerson Tliatclier, tlie child of a sister, survives 
to do honor to, and to cherish his memory. 

The engraved portrait which illusti'ates this memoir, is from a 
photograph selected by Mrs. Thatcher, and will convey to his friends 
a cliaracteristic likeness of the Admiral, representing him to the life. 



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